Respirene grips

G

Green Ice

Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
637
Hello. I'm new to the forum. Really like the Swamp Rat knives but don't really care for that Respirene grip. Is there any way to order one with another grip option? Has anybody ever rehandled one?

Thanks

Ice
 
There are no options available.

Swamp Rat does have a tactical model with Micarta scales based upon the Camp Tramp.
 
Green Ice,
Welcome to the Swamp, I'm glad that you stopped by.

I'm curious if you have ever handled a knife with Resiprene C handles? It is significantly different than kraton or other types of rubber handles and many prefer it over other types of handle material.

However, we do offer a couple of knives with Micarta handles, the Ratweiler and the Safari Skinner.

Once again thanks for stopping by and I hope you stick around

:D:D
 
I have to admit to being somwhat of a micarta snob and am really impressed with the Respirine C. I have only handled/used it a little bit but I have watched a friend punish his knife, and hence...the handle and it is still in great shape. Just my 2 cents.

I have the Ratweiler, the 7 1/2" knife in "tactical" trim (i.e. micarta) and it is an amazing knife.
 
Being the lone knife guy around ive never handled let alone seen anything with micarta handles, but i really love the Res C for some reason. It fits my hand perfectly and feels just right. Its one of those things where for reasons unknown it just clicked and i love it.
 
Am I the only one in the world who hates micarta handles? My favourite knives include the Fallkniven A1 and the Busse Basic 9 (and hopefully soon a Battle Rat) - no micarta, thank goodness.
 
I haven't rehandled one personally, but the tang construction looks like it might be a little tricky unless you have milling equipment or mad drill press skills. It isn't a straight stick tang, it has a rather wide radius at the tang/handle juncture that tapers down to the butt end of the grip. You would need to first cut the old resiprene handle off (shouldn't be that difficult) then manage to either mortise two pieces of micarta to fit around the tang, or work some magic on a radiused slot on a solid piece of micarta so it fits. I'd personally just stick with the resiprene, I really think it's a better handle material for hard use knives than micarta is. There is less vibration, no hot/cold issues when handling the knife, and it's very durable, far more so than kraton.
 
Re-handeling can be done, just look at the Howling Rat
customhr800.jpg


Picture from The Swamp
 
that picture never gets old :D


as far as durability, we have plain rubber handled knives at work that are truly beaten daily, all the paint from the fittings rubbed off, the blade reprofiled from excessive sharpening, everything bashed scratched and worse for ware, but with pristeen rubber handles. and resiprene c is a great many cuts above the kitchen knives we have at work *mostly stuff thats given away for free by the sharpening guy who comes by (who over sharpeneds everything :grumpy: )*

i prefer micarta for a lot of reasons, but resiprene c is a valid alternative.

you can purchase micarta blcosk that are big enough to do fully hidden tangs like are found on any of the swamp rats current offerings.

and if your willing to wait, there are some more of the tactical line coming out that have micarta handles, but that may be anywhere from 2-12 months or more in the coming.
 
I have a Camp Tramp and I like the Resiprene C. It's really very comfortable to hold although it doesn't look as cool as micarta.
 
It works good for me at work. Never slips even when in oil, water, and other nasty chemcials. Cleans off real easy. I'd like to get some boots made from the same stuff. I'm also curious about how it stands up to hammering with the butt. Never done that but always been curious with it just peels off or something. Or rips it off, and exposes the tang. Also been curious about hot it stands up to really hot water...like 182 temp.

I would also love to see a HR with the scales from the Skinner. Don't have one of those, but could see one when the HR tactical comes out.
 
Angelus, Cliff Stamp hammered his HR into a few items (the usual... chunk of wood, steel car door, block of solid titanium... :D ) and I think it came out looking a little rough, but still holding up well.

http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/howling_rat.html

"The Howling Rat was finally pounded 0.5 and 0.75" into the tree and enough force applied to break it clear. Again no damage was done to the knife. All the hammering on the but did however do some cosmetic damage to the butt of the handle, and did smash in slighty the laynard eyelet."
 
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